The proposed electoral alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) has officially collapsed, with both parties opting for separate strategies ahead of the upcoming General Elections.

Following the SJB's defeat in the recent Presidential Election, attempts to unify for a broader electoral coalition were thwarted when the SJB insisted that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe step down as a prerequisite for collaboration. Consequently, the UNP has decided to align with parties that supported Ranil Wickremesinghe during the presidential election, forming a new alliance under the gas cylinder symbol.

The UNP will partner with the Podujana Eksath Peramuna and the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, with plans for the ‘New Democratic Front’ to contest the elections. Discussions were held with the Election Commission to secure the gas cylinder symbol, previously used by Ranil as an independent candidate.

Meanwhile, SJB sources say that the party will contest under Sajith Premadasa’s leadership, maintaining alliances with those who supported them during the presidential campaign.